What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process of removing stains that stick on to the enamel, it is bleaching process used to get rid of the discoloration of the teeth. There are different ways of teeth whitening, some people go for bleaching sessions at the dental clinic, some buy over –the –counter products and very few people go for cosmetic treatment. Teeth whitening treatment is not permanent, though the results are effective and noticeable. It requires a lot of care and oral hygiene.
What are tooth stains?
There are 2 types of staining of teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic staining.
Extrinsic stains appear on the teeth surface .The main reason for this is exposure/drinking dark-colored beverages, tobacco, food and routine wearing of teeth. Minor stains can be removed while brushing .Some stains are stubborn and require teeth bleaching. Persistent stains penetrate deep inside the teeth and require special efforts to get removed and if proper attention is not paid such stains can become permanent.
Intrinsic stains appear inside the teeth. Such stains result from aging, trauma, exposure to minerals at the time of tooth formation /excessive intake of fluoride through injection. Earlier it was believed that intrinsic stains could not be removed by bleaching, but now cosmetic dentistry has changed this thinking and doctors believe that deep stains in the teeth can also be removed with the help of take home teeth whitening and regular supervision of the dentist.
Various factors cause stains such as:-
There are 3 main whitening options:-
In-Office
Such type of whitening gives significant results in very less time. High concentration of peroxide gel is used on teeth after the gums are protected with applying paint on a rubber dam. Stubborn stains may require one more session.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Such professional kits use lower concentration of peroxide gel, but gives great results after a long time. The gel is applied with the help of custom made trays (bleaching trays) that look like mouth guards.
This is the cheapest & convenient way of teeth whitening as it involves buying of whitening kit from the store. This kit has a bleaching gel, which is applied with the help of whitening strips, paints applied on applicators, trays. This method may only whiten the front teeth and not the entire smile.
What are the risks involved?
Yes, if done correctly, teeth whitening is safe. Anyone who isn't a certified dental practitioner isn't allowed to perform whitening operations.
Although teeth whitening is painless, some slight discomfort is usual during or after the initial treatment. After a few days, things should be back to normal.
If you choose in-office teeth whitening, the procedure takes around two hours to complete, but the effects must be maintained with a top-up kit for approximately a week to guarantee they are permanent. It takes two to three weeks for at-home tooth whitening products to work.
No, only natural teeth can be whitened. Restorations like crowns, fillings, and dentures can't be whitened.